England women won the third Twenty20 of the series by four wickets at the Manuka Oval in Canberra today - a result which gives them an unassailable 3-0 lead. The team made history as this is the first time England women have won a limited over series in Australia.
Australia made a good start with the bat after winning the toss with openers Meg Lanning and Shelley Nitschke putting on a half-century stand. Danielle Hazell broke the partnership in the sixth over when Lydia Greenway caught Lanning at deep midwicket.
Isa Guha returned to demolish any stability in the Australian innings by breaking the partnership of Leah Polton and Alex Blackwell, taking both wickets in the 17th over. Guha followed up two overs later as Charlotte Edwards caught Jess Cameron at extra cover.
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In the final over Holly Colvin ran out Lisa Sthalekar as Australia finished on 145-6 after 20 overs. Edwards and Laura Marsh set about the run chase with the same purpose shown in the first two matches. Their attacking partnership of 71 off 61 balls got England off to a perfect start.
Charlotte Edwards said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to win today and to win our first limited over series in Australia is very special.
“We upped our game on a very good pitch and again batted exceptionally well.
“I’m very proud of the whole squad. Everyone has contributed throughout the last three games and thoroughly deserve this series victory.”
Player of the match Marsh later fell to Sarah Coyte as she was caught at deep midwicket by Jess Cameron in the 14th over. As she did at Adelaide and the MCG, Greenway set about upping the rate with Susie Rowe who hit a quickfire 10 before going exactly the same way as Marsh two overs earlier, leaving England on 114-4.
Laura Marsh said: “The bowlers did a great job of tying them down with this fast outfield and good track. I was pleased to get off to a good start with Charlotte (Edwards) and all the girls followed on from that.
“It was a close finish but Lydia (Greenway) performed with the bat again to get the run rate up and it was great to see Jenny (Gunn) take us over the line.”
England Women v Australia Women, match schedule
Twenty20 Series
Monday, 17 January, 4th T20, Manuka Oval, Canberra, 3.05pm
Tuesday, 18 January, 5th T20, Manuka Oval, Canberra, 3.05pm
Ashes Test
Saturday 22-Tuesday 25, January, Bankstown Oval, Sydney, 10.30am
Kim Mogg, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
